Mario Balotelli is sensationally dropped from the starting XI as Milan visit Barcelona in the Champions League.

It kicks off at Camp Nou at 19.45 GMT for Group H.

MassimilianoAllegri switches to a 4-4-1-1 system with Andrea Poli strengthening the midfield and Kaka in the hole behind Robinho.

Balotelli is surprisingly left on the bench after recent poor form, a big snub while the Rossoneri are in crisis.

Stephan El Shaarawy, Giampaolo Pazzini, Antonio Nocerino, Mattia De Sciglio, Marco Amelia, Matias Silvestre and the cup-tied Gabriel and M’Baye Niang are out of action, but Daniele Bonera is on the bench after a long lay-off.

Another change to the line-up sees Christian Abbiati return to the goal, while Urby Emanuelson is picked at left-back instead of Kevin Constant.

Barcelona have Adriano back after his rapid recovery from injury, while Leo Messi is looking to prove a point after failing to score in his last four appearances.